Bag of Randomness

The first night was pretty rough. Per Keith’s request, the catheter was removed during surgery so that he would not feel the pain when it was removed. At 2:00 in the morning a catheter had to be inserted because he was having such a hard time urinating. Keith stood at the toilet for an hour with the urge to urinate, but it just never came. The nurse had trouble inserting it so the charge nurse was called. It was finally inserted after a couple of tries.

The next day was spent sleeping to catch up from the night before. He talked a little bit in his sleep. One thing I remember him saying was that he gets the capitals of Oklahoma and Nebraska mixed up.

As much as Keith did not want to inconvenience anyone I called my mom that morning to help me. She took DaughterGeeding and BoyGeeding to Geeding Manor so that I could be with Keith all day and help him. Thank you, Mom!

That night he asked that I stay with him in case it was another bad night. I went home to get a few things and check on everyone. To be safe, I asked for hospital security to walk me to my car. She seemed very perturbed to leave whatever she was doing to help me. She didn’t even walk me all the way to my car, just watched from the door! Granted, it wasn’t that big of a parking lot.

That night went much smoother, but still a lot of nurses in and out of the room. Right when I would fall back asleep another person would come in to do something. The catheter was removed during the day so he did get up a few times during the night to use the restroom.

Keith would not be discharged until his pain was under control and he passed gas. I don’t know how many times a nurse would ask, “Have you passed rectal gas?” This is quite comical if you know Keith because he does not have any problem passing gas!

The doctor that performed the surgery saw Keith this morning and asked Keith how he felt about going home. With a tired smile on his face he said, “I want to go home.” We were out of there by 11:00.

Instead of DogGeedingII greeting Keith with a wagging tail he barked and growled at the old man using a walker.

Our experience with the hospital staff was not that great. The day of the surgery everyone was very friendly, introduced themselves, and explained what was going to happen. Once they moved Keith up to his own room the nurses were either spacey, inattentive, annoyed to be there, or not as professional as other nurses that we have experienced at other hospitals.

Keith’s pain has been as high as an 8 and as low as a 4. I have set my alarm to go off every 6 hours to give him his medicines.

Typical Keith–When we arrived at the hospital and were waiting in the hospital Keith pulled out a bag of magazines, powdered donuts, and other snacks for me. He wanted to make sure that I was taken care of. Always putting the needs of others above himself.

So glad all went well! Imagine he will be on to physical therapy next? I always called them my “physical terrorists”! I know what you mean about hospitals … they are the last place you get any rest! I type this from the hospital recliner I have been sleeping in for two weeks as my Mom is in the hospital. They come in on average 4 times night. Wishing you a quick recovery, Keith! And, good job on the posts, Wife G!

Nothing says love like powdered donuts. Keith is truly smitten with you.
On the drop in nursing quality from day one to discharge, you need to sit down and compose a factual and concise letter of your observations on the hospital stay, both good and bad. Give credit where credit is due and call out those who fell far short, even if you don’t know specific names. The hospital can check the shift roster for the days involved. The administration would appreciate the information. A health facility cannot improve service unless they are made aware of staff deficiencies. Just spell it out. You will be helping future patients. The catheterization toughie is common, some have the touch and some don’t. No biggie. But the inattentiveness by professionals during room visits is HUGE. And tell Keith to follow the instructions of Nurse WifeGeeding completely while at home. You are in command of care now. Chuckle.